Blog

The Global Best Practice Blog is a channel for our guest and in-house experts to share their unique expertise on best practices. It is intended as a knowledge space to learn more about innovative solutions to existing challenges, raise awareness on the importance of best practices and voice opinions to fuel the necessary debate about how to improve how we work and increase impact.

The Gift of Mentorship and Collaboration: A Christmas Reflection

As this year draws to a close and the festive season brings with it warmth, gratitude, and reflection, I’m reminded of one of the greatest gifts a professional can receive, Mentorship. Beyond the exchange of knowledge, mentorship represents trust, friendship, and the shared spirit of collaboration that helps individuals and organizations truly thrive. Why Mentorship Matters   “A mentor is someone

Read More »

One Truth: Humanitarian Action Must Evolve

My last field assignment includes memories of our national team members—who form the backbone of humanitarian operations—struggle to keep pace with rising demands. They were stretched thin across multiple fronts: responding to growing beneficiary needs, drafting and revising reports and proposals, navigating complex compliance requirements, and managing safeguarding alerts. As a long-term humanitarian aid worker balancing programs, paperwork, and people,

Read More »

The Trust Deficit: Why Good Governance Depends on More Than Institutional Design

Introduction We measure everything that makes societies succeed, GDP, inflation, stock prices, even consumer sentiment. Yet we almost never measure trust. Perhaps that’s because trust refuses to be quantified. It’s intangible, shifting, and deeply human. Economists can chart growth; sociologists can map institutions. But the quiet faith that citizens place in those institutions or withdraw from them, is far harder

Read More »

Rethinking Education: Blending Tradition and Technology for a New Learning Era

At GBPG, we hold firmly to the belief that true development depends on constant innovation — whether in governance, procurement, infrastructure, or education. Education, in particular, is not only a sector in its own right but also the foundation upon which every other form of development is built. How societies educate their next generation is one of the clearest indicators

Read More »

The Importance of Strategy for International Organizations: Turning Mission Into Impact

The current level of volatility in the development world is unprecedented. International organizations are facing more challenges and more scrutiny  than ever before. Whether it is addressing social challenges, advancing education, improving healthcare, or protecting the environment, non-profit international organizations were created for a mission larger than themselves. But passion alone isn’t enough to create lasting change. To truly maximize

Read More »

Responsiveness: The Competitive Edge No One Can Ignore

To respond to someone, an idea, or to a request should be simple. Yet, how many times can we collectively recollect when someone never responded to an email? Or how many times when a business didn’t deliver what they promised? Or when a politician,  pick the country, doesn’t respond to their citizens’ needs? When someone is unresponsive, it sears into

Read More »

If We Don’t Deal With the Wolves in Green Clothing, We Risk Losing Both the Planet and the Trust of the People Trying to Save It

We often say we’re balancing doing good with the resources needed to do good — especially when it comes to climate change. But somewhere in that balancing act, the stakes have skyrocketed. Now, it’s a race against time — against our own limits, against institutional pressure, and against the growing fear that our planet is slipping away. Add the weight

Read More »

Protecting NGOs from Digital Risks such as Ransomware and Cyber Extortion

Ransomware and data exfiltration continue to represent formidable and ever-present cybersecurity threats for international non-governmental organizations (NGOs). These malicious activities not only disrupt an NGO’s operations but also compromise sensitive information. This can erode the trust of donors, beneficiaries, and partners. In this article, we discuss what ransomware and cyber extortion attacks are; why NGOs should focus on risk mitigation

Read More »

Keep Calm and Carry On: Business Continuity for the Rest of Us

Introduction Your livelihood and that of your employees and customers may depend on having a business continuity plan (BCP) containing one or more Disaster Recovery Plans (DR Plans). And not just having one to comply with some ISO standard but actually being in the position to utilise it when the occasion arises. Sleepless nights for the C-Level – especially the

Read More »

Why Sustainable Public Procurement Deserves more Attention

The UN Environment Programme describes Sustainable Public Procurement (SPP) as a “sleeping giant,” emphasizing its immense but underutilized potential. Rooted in SDG 12.7, which falls under the broader umbrella of Responsible  Consumption and Production, its significance is clear. According to the Open Contracting Partnership and the Spend Network, governments worldwide collectively spend an estimated $13 trillion annually on public contracts

Read More »

Making Tender Documents More Accessible Through Storytelling

Have you ever come across a tender document where the title immediately sparks confidence that your company can deliver? Yet, as you read on, technical language and overwhelming jargon cause confusion and frustration. This scenario is all too common—especially for small businesses that may otherwise qualify. Without the person-power to decipher dense requirements, many capable suppliers are inadvertently shut out

Read More »

There Can’t Be a World Without Development Aid, So What’s Next?

A Human Response in Crisis The practice of supporting others through mutual assistance, charity, and resource exchange has been deeply embedded in human society for centuries, long before the emergence of the modern concept of development aid. Historically, these efforts were often driven by religious, cultural, or diplomatic obligations rather than structured strategies for economic growth. Though not “development aid”

Read More »

AI, Showers, and Coffee: A Recipe for Losing Your Privacy

The Privacy Paradox: Are We Trading Convenience for Control with AI? Imagine you’ve just moved into a brand-new apartment complex. It’s state-of-the-art, complete with voice-activated doors, AI-powered climate control, and a virtual assistant that remembers your coffee order. Sounds great, right? Now, imagine that every time you take a shower, your water usage is logged. Every time you walk into

Read More »

GBPG in 2025 – Potential to be Realized

At the start of 2024, GBPG put forward a call for harmony. This year I want to emphasize the need to use the potential we have within us all. As Aristotle promogulated centuries ago, I believe in the potential of humankind: the individual’s potential and the potential of so many organizations to do good – including GBPG. I also believe

Read More »

COP29 and Beyond: The Future of US Climate Policy at a Crossroads

As the 29th annual UN Climate Change Conference (COP29) draws to a close this week in Baku, Azerbaijan, the world watches with bated breath, eager to see if leaders can rise to the challenge of addressing the climate crisis. The two-week summit has been a whirlwind of negotiations, debates, and critical decisions. Among the key questions: Will countries commit to

Read More »

The Cusp of a Revolution

With technology continuously redefining our capabilities, the frontier of Virtual Reality (VR) and Artificial Intelligence (AI) signals an era of transformation across all aspects of our lives. As someone deeply entrenched in the exploration and application of these technologies, it often feels we are on the cusp of a revolution—one that not only enhances how we manage work but one

Read More »

India’s Water Conundrum: Beyond the Tipping Point?

Water is very much in the news in India. The talk is about crises – in agriculture, in industry, and in the municipal sector. In many ways, the crises are not of recent origin; they have been around for at least 2 decades if not longer. The solutions to the crises are the usual – rainwater harvesting, micro irrigation, bigger

Read More »